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Pat Hoertdoerfer
Children, Family and Intergenerational Programs Director,
Lifespan Faith Development, UUA
Boston, MA
Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message
By Chief Jake Swamp and illustrated by Erwin Printup, Jr.
New York: Lee & Low Books, Inc., 1995
To be a human being is an honor, and we offer thanksgiving for all
the gifts of life.
The words of this book are based on the Thanksgiving Address, a message
of peace and appreciation of Mother Earth and all living creatures.
Author Chief Jake Swamp of the Mohawk Nation brings us these words from
the Native people known as Haudenosaunee, also known as the Iroquois
or Six Nations—Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca, and Tuscarora.
These words are still spoken at ceremonial and governmental gatherings
held by the Six Nations.
Children are taught to greet the world each morning by saying thank
you to all living things. They learn according to their tradition that
people everywhere are embraced as family. The good morning message of
this book celebrates the wonders of Nature, from the moon and stars
to the smallest blade of grass, as truly a gift for which we are thankful.
Beautifully painted landscapes enhance the timeless celebration of the
beauty and spirit of the environment.
A message and pictures are for all ages every day!
The Circle of Thanks: Native American Poems and Songs of Thanksgiving
Told by Joseph Bruchav and pictures by Murv Jacob
BridgeWater Books, 1996
This collection of poems, prayers, and songs gathered by Joseph Bruchav
of Abenaki heritage celebrates the tradition of giving thanks that is
deeply ingrained among the native people of North America. The fourteen
thanksgiving prayers from various Native American cultures include “The
Circle of Thanks” from the Micmac of the Northeast Coast, “Rain
Song” from the Papago of the Southwest, “How Medicine Came”
from the Cherokee of the Southeast, “Prayer for Gathering Cedar
Roots” from the Kwakiutl of the Northwest Coast, “Kachina
Song” from the Hopi of the Southwest, “Prayer to the Sun”
from the Osage of the Great Plains, and “Song to the Dancing Stars”
from the Pawnee of the Southern Plains.
The author explains that for the original Americans one day to give
thanks was not enough. There were too many things in the natural world
that helped the people survive and that helped make their lives fuller
and better. He invites readers of all ages to look at our own circle
of thanks—the earth and the waters, the moon and sun and stars
that belong to everyone—and think about those you would like to
thank.
At the beginning or close of a day, on Thanksgiving,
on Earth Day, or today,
gather your family and express your gratitude for the circle of thanks
that never ends. |
